Whitby resident Catherine Vandenhoogen has been named the town’s 2026 Mayor’s Senior Volunteer Award recipient, recognizing years of service supporting patients, students and community events.

The recognition coincides with the 50th anniversary of Whitby’s 55+ Centre. In a Town of Whitby interview, Vandenhoogen described the family connections and friendships that led her into volunteering, and the satisfaction that keeps her involved.

Her commitments include volunteering on the palliative floor at Lakeridge Health, where she is now in her 11th year. She said she began helping there after her mother died at the hospital, recalling the care staff had provided.

Vandenhoogen said she hopes to continue that work for many more years. It is one of several volunteer roles she has taken on over time, often through a personal connection to the organization or the people it serves.

Service shaped by family and friends

Her first volunteer role was serving dinner to veterans at Sunnybrook Hospital. Her father had served in the military, and she saw the work as a way to honour him.

A friend later introduced her to volunteering with Tennis Canada, where she took on a stadium control role. Last year, she marked 20 years in that position.

She said assisting patrons in different ways helps make their experience special. A friend also brought her into volunteering at the Grandview Kids golf tournament, an event she continues to help with each year.

When her grandchildren began school, Vandenhoogen volunteered in their classrooms. Having retired as a program support teacher, she found the classroom work suited her experience.

Asked what motivates her continued community involvement, she said the rewards she receives from volunteering outweigh what she contributes.

An emotional recognition

Vandenhoogen said hearing the mayor announce her name brought her to tears. She had not considered her work deserving of an award because helping people in need was itself rewarding.

She had also read the submission written by her granddaughter, Madelyn, and said she was thrilled by it.

For residents considering volunteering, Vandenhoogen’s advice is to first assess their interest and the time they can commit. She suggested speaking with someone already doing the work to understand what a particular role involves.

She also pointed to volunteer position listings in Whitby and neighbouring communities as places to explore opportunities. Information about Whitby’s 55+ Centre is available at whitby.ca/55Plus.